Taq1A and Other Genetic Variants of the Reward System Associated With Substance Use

Abstract

Introduction: the Taq1A polymorphism (rs1800497) of the ANKK1 gene, which encodes the ankyrin repeat enzyme and the kinase domain containing 1, has been extensively studied in substance abuse and behavioral disorders. Taq1A is associated with alterations to the dopaminergic system in the brain reward system through the dopamine receptor 2. Method: a documentary review was performed in the electronic database PubMed between the years 2008 to 2023. Results: we consulted 85 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The present review shows the evidence of genes involved in the brain reward pathway that sums up the importance of the various genetic variants besides Taq1A, which are associated with substance use. Discussion and conclusions: risk genes associated with the consumption of specific substances of abuse are linked to the reward system through diverse neurotransmitters, resulting in a network of genetic variants that may interact between them to promote the development of addiction.